Preakness Week Events

Preakness Day

On a late summer evening in 1868, an agreement among sportsmen to stage a special race to commemorate a memorable occasion became the foundation for the middle jewel of racing's Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes.

The Preakness Stakes has remained throughout history a true test of a horse's ability and class, a race where remarkable horses meet one another in a great classic.

The phrase "Triple Crown" was not coined until the 1930's, but it is this race on every third Saturday in May where the best Derby horses gather to see if there will be that window of opportunity for a Triple Crown Prospect. Much goes on during this colorful time at Pimlico, but it has always been the horse that draws the fans. As poet Ogden Nash wrote:

“The Derby is a race of aristocratic sleekness, for horses of birth to prove their worth to run in the Preakness.”

Join us at historic Pimlico for the 142nd Running of the Preakness Stakes (GI)—the second jewel the horse racing’s elusive Triple Crown. The race is a 1 3/16 miles test for 3 year old colts, geldings and fillies. The excitement of the day includes a full race card featuring the top performing thoroughbreds in the world. Infield entertainment and ticket information is located under our Infield/Infieldfest tab.